Bonita Springs Paddleboard Tour: Mangroves & Shelling
Paddleboards come with built-in cup holders.
A self-guided standup paddleboard activity on Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs where you navigate mangrove tunnels, calm inlets and secluded beaches at your own pace. You receive a laminated map, route guidance based on the day's conditions, and all gear including a life vest, dry bag and shelling bag. Spot manatees, dolphins and coastal birds while exploring the water.
Options for this experience
4 optionsWhat’s included
- Life vest and dry bag.
- standup paddleboard with built-in cup holders.
- shelling bag.
- laminated map and route guidance based on daily conditions.
- Every day 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00
Information
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and secluded beaches on Big Hickory Island with all gear provided and expert route guidance through shallow coastal waters.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
Two hours is enough time to paddle through the mangrove tunnels and reach the secluded beach where shelling happens. Before you set out, the operator reviews the best route based on what the water and weather are doing that day, then hands you a laminated map so you can navigate on your own terms. You'll have a life vest, dry bag and shelling bag. Everything stays with you in the boat or on the sand.
The paddleboards themselves are built for comfort and practicality: cup holders mean you can bring a drink, and the Old Town life vests are the kind that don't feel like a constraint. The calm inlets and mangrove passages are where manatees and dolphins show up, and the secluded beach gives you room to collect shells without crowds. This is not a guided tour with someone narrating. You set the pace and choose where to linger.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What should I bring on a two-hour paddleboard trip to Big Hickory Island?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The operator provides the life vest, dry bag for personal items, and shelling bag. The laminated map stays with you, so you don't need to worry about your phone getting wet.
Can I see manatees and dolphins on this paddleboard route?
Manatees, dolphins and coastal birds are present in the mangrove inlets and along the beaches, though sightings depend on the day and the time you paddle. The calm water and secluded areas are where wildlife is most likely to appear.
Do I need paddleboarding experience to do this activity?
The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 3. The operator provides route guidance and a map so you can navigate at a comfortable pace for your group.
What makes this paddleboard rental different from others in Bonita Springs?
The boards have built-in cup holders, and the rental includes Old Town life vests, dry bags and shelling bags: gear that usually costs extra elsewhere. The operator is ranked #1 on review sites for outdoor activities in Bonita Springs.
Operated by Mike's Coastal Expeditions. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Bonita Springs Paddleboard Tour: Mangroves & Shelling
2h
from US$ 30 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.